Area 88 (OVA)
After watching volume 1, I actually didn't think Area 88 would be held in much regard by anime critics, in part because of it's unusual setting and premise, and partly because it was seldom mentioned on anime websites, but when I did manage to find several reviews, I was surprised to find that the critics unanimously gave it high ratings. Having finally seen all three parts (50,57 and 96 minutes) I realise that it really does deserve all the praise. In a way, Area 88 reminds me of a more sophisticated version of "Speed Racer", in the sense that both series take an already dangerous and exciting occupation (jet fighter pilot and race car driver, respectively) and by not worrying too much about what is really plausible make them even more thrilling. Actually, in a technical sense this show is remarkably accurate--just watch Shin bring his plane in to land, employing flaps, airbrakes, variable angle wings, and retractable landing gear. If you are both an aviation and an anime otaku, you'll think you've died and gone to heaven as you recognize Crusaders, Skyhawks, Phantoms, Mig-21s--I won't list them all. Though not perfect, the air-to-air combat scenes are remarkably good for a 1985 production. Seeing planes get blown apart in mid-air up close is especially awesome. Pilots repeatedly meet horrible fates as their aircraft are torn apart--these are not just robots being destroyed, as in mecha anime. The story takes place both in Asram and back in Tokyo as Shin's girlfriend, Ryoko, resists Kazaki's advances ("I won't be in your debt--not even for a cup of coffee!") and seeks to determine what has become of her lover. Shin, meanwhile, struggles with a nagging suspicion that he may have become corrupted by war to the extent that he can never go home again ("I'm a devil, steeped in blood and forged from hatred"). His charachter develops to the point at which I couldn't help worrying about how he would wind up. I'll just say that at the end, the makers of Area 88 don't take the easy way out. Having seen some of the TV series remake, I realize that these OVAs had a sort of brilliant simplicity to them--at the end you feel as if you've just finished reading a famous novel. All in all, an unusual piece of anime, with plenty of action plus thought-provoking drama.
My favorite line: "I've never been to hell before, and I want you to be my guide!"
9/03 #61
Last updated Monday, February 04 2008.
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